Amitriptyline is used for treating depression. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. How tricyclic antidepressants are thought to increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine, serotonin), which help improve mood.

Amitriptyline may take up to 30 days to control symptoms of depression. Continue using Amitriptyline even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.

If you miss a dose of Amitriptyline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Amitriptyline.

STORAGE

Store Amitriptyline at room temperature, below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Amitriptyline out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do NOT use Amitriptyline if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Amitriptyline

you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine, selegiline) within the last 14 days

Carbamazepine, thyroid medicines (eg, levothyroxine), or stimulants (eg, albuterol, pseudoephedrine) because their side effects may be increased by Amitriptyline

Warfarin because side effects such as serious bleeding may be increased by Amitriptyline

Clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine because the effectiveness of these medicines may be decreased.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Amitriptyline may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Amitriptyline may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amitriptyline. Using Amitriptyline alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Amitriptyline. Amitriptyline will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.

Amitriptyline may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.

Involuntary and uncontrollable movements may develop in patients taking Amitriptyline. Occurrence is highest among the elderly, especially women. The risk of developing these involuntary movements and the likelihood they will become permanent are increased with long-term use and with high doses. However, it is possible to develop these symptoms after short-term use at low doses. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occur: involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, protrusion of tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), sometimes accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs.

Amitriptyline may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light (eg, tanning beds). Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.

Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur.

Before you have any medical or dental treatment, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Amitriptyline.

Use caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially lightheadedness upon standing; rapid heartbeat; breathing problems; difficult urination; and constipation.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Amitriptyline during pregnancy. Amitriptyline is excreted in the breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Amitriptyline.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: